tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60340313754200045252024-03-19T00:02:27.059-05:00Daughter RedeemedChelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-52185212333043845172017-07-03T23:20:00.002-05:002017-07-03T23:24:45.104-05:00Changing Landscapes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dan and I were able to get away for a quick overnight this past weekend in celebration of our eight-year anniversary. I had been itching to visit my college campus (Go 'Cats!) for some time, so we opted for a night in Evanston.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was an odd juxtaposition--so many familiar sights and sounds mixed with lots of new ones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Coming into town, we didn't need our navigation system. The streets haven't changed. We've just grown up from Dan's old Grand Prix to his Ford F150. When we first arrived, we ate sushi at Koi--where I first lost my sushinity back in college. After dinner, we walked the streets and noticed that Dixie Kitchen and Merle's BBQ had shut their doors. My church had moved down the road. We stopped for ice cream at a fun new frozen custard place, and I enjoyed peeking into the new restaurants and stores that had popped up downtown.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The campus itself blew me away. Outside my dorm, the road where Dan used to wait in his aforementioned Grand Prix had been replaced by a grassy common area where students were sitting on benches doing scholarly things. The view by the lake was almost unrecognizable. I had heard about the new music building, but no one could have prepared me for the scope of this state-of-the-art new construction. The floor-to-ceiling glass structure looked like something out of a George Lucas film. Not to mention the addition of a visitor center and sailing center (not pretentious at all).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we drove away, I started to cry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"How could so much possibly change in eight years?"</i> I thought. "<i>And why am I getting so emotional about it?"</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And then it hit me.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Eight years.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The same amount of time that Dan and I have been married.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was poetic, really--this changing campus landscape. Just like the changing landscape of our life together. Our new home now stands where a condo once was. We've moved down the road from Lakeview Church to Crossway Community Church. Dan has graduated from an elementary school district to a high school one. We have watched landmarks torn down due to death and brokenness, but we have also watched God create three beautiful skyscrapers--our three beautiful boys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"For everything there is a season," it says in Ecclesiastes. "A time for every matter under Heaven...<b>A time to break down, and a time to build up." </b>(<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ec3.3" target="_blank">Ecclesiastes 3:3</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's comforting to know that God has ordained the changing landscapes of our lives, isn't it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Master Builder has "made everything beautiful in its time." (<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ec3.11" target="_blank">Ecclesiastes 3:11</a>) My life is no different.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I may not be able to see the full landscape now. In fact, there are days when I feel like everything around me is crumbling to the ground. But God's word assures me that he is strategically laying each brick and mortar to build something magnificent for his glory. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Eph2.10" target="_blank">Ephesians 2:10</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, I am thanking God for the growing pains. As much as it pained my heart to see my Alma Mater change, I think I would have been sadder had she stayed the same for eight years. The same goes for my life together with Dan. May our landscape be ever-changing, ever-growing for his glory.</span><br />
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<br />Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-1337813139723659372017-06-20T22:19:00.002-05:002017-06-20T22:26:39.379-05:00The Best Heart Medicine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the past several months, I've been dealing with some relatively serious health issues. You can read more about it <a href="https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chelseastanley/journal" target="_blank">here</a> if you'd like more details, but in a nutshell, I've been suffering from acute allergic reactions since November. The cause is still unknown.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since we don't know exactly what's triggering these episodes, my doctor has put me on a pretty strong cocktail of antihistamines in hopes that they'll help keep me safe while he tries to come up with a diagnosis and a more permanent solution.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Today, I realized that my heart is mirroring my body. </b>There's something wrong there. Something I can't diagnose right now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After my first major allergic reaction, I saw an allergist who sent me home with no more than an epi-pen in hopes that it was "just a fluke." Needless to say, I sought out a second opinion because I knew that I needed someone who would help keep me safe while we searched for answers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the same way, I want to keep my heart safe as I sort out whatever is going on in there, and I think a hefty dose of God's life-preserving Word is just what the Great Physician ordered. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">God's words of eternal life are like the pills I take each morning and evening to ward off sickness. If I am in God's word, then I am fully armed and protected to face each new day with the belt of truth and the sword of the Spirit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"If your law had not been my delight,"</b> the psalmist writes, <b>"I would have perished in my affliction." </b>He continues, <b>"I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life." </b>(Psalm 119:92-93 ESV)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">God uses his word to give us life and to sustain it. In times of uncertainty, his word is reliable and true. We can count on him and his word to keep us safe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I want a diagnosis, and I'm sure God will be faithful to search me and test my heart. For now, though, I put on my armor and pray, <b>"I have suffered much; give me life, O LORD, according to your word." </b>(Psalm 119:107 ESV)</span><br />
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<br />Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-7264575278423380952017-06-07T18:30:00.000-05:002017-06-08T08:29:34.750-05:00Hearts Made For Baseball and the Gospel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some families spend their summer vacations traveling to national parks. Mine visited national <i>ballparks</i>. <br /><br />Many of my best childhood memories took place at these parks—singing the seventh inning stretch with Harry Caray at Wrigley Field, cheering for the sausages at Miller Park, watching the Red Sox score twenty-two runs at Fenway, and celebrating Cal Ripken Jr’s birthday while chewing on Double Bubble at Camden Yards. <br /><br /><b>There’s something about a major league baseball game that makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself.</b> The ballpark is a magical place where old and young, rich and poor, fathers and daughters all gather for one common purpose: to enjoy America’s favorite pastime together. <br /><br />At each baseball game, you form a sort of family with the other 20,000 fans in the stands. When the lights go out and your new family members return to their respective lives, <b>your heart aches just a little. </b>Even grown men have been known to shed a tear or two at the end of the season. But there’s always the promise of next year (just ask our beloved Chicago Cubs). <br /><br /><b>Why do we love baseball so much? </b><br /><br />It could be because our hearts are <i>made</i> for it…or at least something <i>like </i>it. <br /><br />Something that brings together people of all colors and cultures and puts them on a level playing field… </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28 ESV). </span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Something that gives us reason to stand up and cheer… </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><i>But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57 ESV). </i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Something that makes us want to share hot dogs and peanuts and Cracker Jack with the guy sitting next to us in the stands… </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:46-27 ESV). </span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />And something that gives us great hope…<br /> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i><i>Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:3-5). </i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The same hearts that soar after the game-winning run are the hearts that were made to praise and glorify God forever. </b><br /><br />And because of the good news of Jesus Christ...they can.
<!--EndFragment--></span>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-36978221183364481752017-03-07T05:27:00.000-06:002017-03-08T06:38:30.592-06:00When All You Want to Do is Strike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGvluIsasCT9KpUjGO7jYspMw-wlhOLigYOIHmseRqTzpBPbLvjCvZ0w-jcd4rexI13h6EBPgT5zB35KoUGKj_pMdeKTTsSQztos_kCQyz7xjnQQ2sk1HKyI_kM-LkhZyAbTLs_bfQKUQ/s1600/the%25E2%2580%25A8world%25E2%2580%25A8is+yours%25C2%25A0to+%25E2%2580%25A8conquer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGvluIsasCT9KpUjGO7jYspMw-wlhOLigYOIHmseRqTzpBPbLvjCvZ0w-jcd4rexI13h6EBPgT5zB35KoUGKj_pMdeKTTsSQztos_kCQyz7xjnQQ2sk1HKyI_kM-LkhZyAbTLs_bfQKUQ/s640/the%25E2%2580%25A8world%25E2%2580%25A8is+yours%25C2%25A0to+%25E2%2580%25A8conquer.jpg" title="When All You Want to Do is Strike" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Do you ever feel like you just want to strike?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Maybe you've fantasized about walking out the door for a day, leaving the dishes, diapers, and dinner for Daddy?</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You're not alone.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">On March 8, the Women's March movement is encouraging women to walk out on "paid and unpaid labor" as part of their <a href="https://www.womensmarch.com/womensday/" target="_blank">A Day Without a Woman</a> strike.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Today, I'm beyond thrilled (and incredibly humbled!) to be a guest contributor at <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/six-ways-the-church-can-stand-with-women" target="_blank">Desiring God</a> discussing the very first "Day Without a Woman" and six ways the Church can stand with women. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But what about you--the weary, sleep-deprived, overworked mama? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Maybe a strike sounds good to you right about now. How then should <i>you</i> respond when all you want to do is strike?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>HOW <u>NOT</u> TO RESPOND</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Before we discuss how we <i>should </i>respond to the temptation to strike, let's first take a moment to talk about how we should <i>not</i> respond.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Being a wife and mother is hard work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It's beautiful work, it's rewarding work, but have no doubt, it is <b>hard work.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As Christian women, it's tempting to grin and bear it. To show the world how #blessed we are to clean the permanent marker off the dining room walls, when all we really want to do is scream.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But God doesn't call us to false humility, friends. And he most definitely does not call us to pretend to have it all together. He's all about #keepinitreal. <br /><br />How should we <b>not </b>respond to the temptation to strike?<br /><br />By <i>not</i> responding. <br /><br />God doesn't want us to act like we have it all together, and he also doesn't want us to suffer in silence. Jesus says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> (<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Mt11.28" target="_blank">Matthew 11:28</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>THE GOD WHO SEES</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A strike can be tempting when you feel like your efforts are under-appreciated and largely unseen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You're doing important work, and you want to<i> feel</i> important.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But sister, I <i>implore</i> you not to go down that road.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As followers of Christ, our motivation shouldn't be to earn the recog</span>nition of men--whether that's from our husbands, our children, or anyone else. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, <b>as working for the Lord</b>, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">God sees every diaper you change, every meal you make, every runny nose you wipe, and <b>he is pleased</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Consider the Proverbs 31 woman. </span><span style="font-size: large;">God sees her late nights, her early mornings, and her hard work</span><span style="font-size: large;">. He recognizes all that she does for her family and for him, and he calls for her to be praised in the gates </span><span style="font-size: large;">(</span><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Pr31.10-31" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Proverbs 31:10<span style="font-family: inherit;">-</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">31</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">God sees what you do as well, mama. And you know what else? He sees <i>you</i>! Y</span><span style="font-size: large;">our thoughts, your pain, your desires--he sees all of it (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Ps139.1-3" target="_blank">Psalm 139:1-3</a>). And he wants to help.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>THREE GOD-HONORING RESPONSES</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If we shouldn't keep silent and we shouldn't strike, then what <i>should</i> our response be?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are what I believe to be three God-honoring responses when all you want to do is strike.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1) PRAY.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Bible says that the "eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those who heart is completely His"(<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/2Ch16.9" target="_blank">2 Chronicles 16:9</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">God wants to support you. He wants to strengthen you. All you need to do is make your requests known to him and ask for his help </span><span style="font-size: large;">(</span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Php4.6" target="_blank">Philippians 4:6</a></span><span style="font-size: large;">)!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2) PREACH THE GOSPEL TO YOURSELF.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When you feel like walking out and giving up, take a deep breath and preach the gospel to yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What does that mean exactly?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, think about all that Christ has done for you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ro5.8">Romans 5:8</a>)</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. </i></span><i><span style="font-size: large;">(<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Eph2.4-7" target="_blank">Ephesians 2:4-7</a></span>)</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />Then, ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of these gospel truths and help you apply them to the situation at hand. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe you're feeling like you just don't have any more love to give. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Preaching the gospel to yourself might look like this...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>"I don't have to love in my own strength. I am able to love because Jesus first loved me." (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1Jn4.19" target="_blank">1 John 4:19</a>)</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Or maybe you're feeling weak. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Here's how you might preach the gospel to yourself...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"I don't have to be strong. God is strong for me. His grace is sufficient for me." (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/2Co12.9" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 12:9</a>)</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Or maybe you're hurt and angry. Give this a try...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>"I can forgive because Christ forgave me. I can find joy because my greatest need has been met. I am at peace with God." (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Eph4.32" target="_blank">Ephesians 4:32</a>, <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ro5.1" target="_blank">Romans 5:1</a>)</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It's hard to walk out on the job when you're thinking upon the sacrifice Christ made for you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>3) ASK FOR HELP.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">If you are consistently being treated poorly by your husband or family, it's time to talk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">God's word says that you are to be honored and loved (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Eph5.25" target="_blank">Ephesians 5:25</a>, <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Eph6.2" target="_blank">Ephesians 6:2</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You are <b>not</b> a doormat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Instead of striking to make your point, though, ask your husband or family to sit down and have a conversation. Share with them how you feel, and humbly ask for help.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You might want to take this time to list every grievance, but try to focus in on one or two things your husband and/or kids can work on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Do you need more help around the house? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ask your family to do the laundry or to take over dinner one night a week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Do you feel like you need some time away?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tell your husband how you feel and figure out a way for you to get a much-needed break.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Do you feel unappreciated?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Share your feelings with your family and tell them how much a simple "thank you" means to you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Whatever you do, don't suffer in silence. If there is sin that needs to be addressed, address it (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Mt18.15" target="_blank">Matthew 18:15</a>). And if you need help, ask for it. Allow your family to be a means of grace in your life. </span><br />
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<i style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">An important note: If you are experiencing abuse, <b>please</b> seek help. Talk to your pastor, local law enforcement agency, and/or trusted friend. God does not want you to stay in an abusive situation.</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>DON'T WALK AWAY</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's face it. There are going to be days you just wanna go on strike.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Resist the urge, mama. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Two thousand years ago, a young carpenter also wanted to walk away from the bitter cup he had been given. "Nevertheless," he prayed, "Not my will, but yours, be done" (<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk22.42" target="_blank">Luke 22:42</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He laid down his rights--his life!--for you and me, so that we might experience God's amazing love in salvation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When you feel like walking off the job, remember that amazing love. Your savior sees you, he loves you, and he wants to help.</span><br />
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<br />Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-15930333236256622622016-09-19T08:43:00.000-05:002017-03-04T20:56:51.153-06:00How to Fool the World with Just Three Photos<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We started "school" this week at the Stanley household, and I decided to document the occasion with three photos.<br /><br /> Honestly, I didn't think twice about posting them. I had worked hard to put together activities for our "A is for Apple" week, and I wanted to capture snapshots of my kids learning and enjoying God's creation.<br /><br /> But then a friend looked at me with weary eyes and a feeble smile and said, "I loved all your apple pictures. You are Super Mom!"<br /><br /><i> And my heart sank.</i><br /><br />I was <b>"that mom" </b>this week.<br /><br />You know, the "together" mom who makes the floundering mom feel like a failure.<br /><br />Only in reality, I'm a far cry from together.<br /><br /><i>If only she could see behind the snapshots,</i> I thought. <i>Then she'd know the truth.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>THE TRUTH BEHIND THE PHOTOS</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">PHOTO 1</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD18yDwWeYs-W53tC7tCfRCofcNGse6wkgiFsW9Airn25EdqBmvr41ILGJlsGgZnU9kaob_BZk4J4JSc7Wn7rLuhtsYs1tkELMR2_jGFz2LZyuin8wQrPVa3Zq0lSfGzH4wrqnGuLnfpj7/s1600/Apple1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD18yDwWeYs-W53tC7tCfRCofcNGse6wkgiFsW9Airn25EdqBmvr41ILGJlsGgZnU9kaob_BZk4J4JSc7Wn7rLuhtsYs1tkELMR2_jGFz2LZyuin8wQrPVa3Zq0lSfGzH4wrqnGuLnfpj7/s320/Apple1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I had to hand draw all our worksheets because we have no cyan printer ink. Why not print in black and white, you ask? Because the stupid printer won't let you print at all if one color is low, that's why.<br /><br /> My three-year old refuses to be taught how to hold his pencil, and I lose my patience, resulting in three timeouts before we even begin our lesson and me having to ask for forgiveness.<br /><br />Just as the older child simmers, my two-year old goes BERSERK over do-a-dot Paints. There are six colors to choose from and he always wants whatever color his big brother happens to be using. Obviously.<br /><br />That night, I go to bed feeling like a terrible mom because I was too busy making an Instagram collage of our activities to be "fully present" with my kids.<br /> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> PHOTO 2</span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-BSNuZE7AoujlYL46E4Zk2Gv-g7ZfCT6VvTAQDQ67veGqN4t5JtceBOsogVwLyVlGyIGHo899GRb6xDSBkeAlWF83Byc-aljkQyFjrnsX9hckaFsnZQQMDdHS3Swgy-CTSjbqpKo-VDS/s1600/Apple2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-BSNuZE7AoujlYL46E4Zk2Gv-g7ZfCT6VvTAQDQ67veGqN4t5JtceBOsogVwLyVlGyIGHo899GRb6xDSBkeAlWF83Byc-aljkQyFjrnsX9hckaFsnZQQMDdHS3Swgy-CTSjbqpKo-VDS/s320/Apple2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We are picking pretend apples because after packing all three kids into the car to go to Bible study, the car wouldn't start.<br /><br />While we were picking pretend apples, oatmeal was burning on the stove inside. I forgot to turn the burner off.<br /><br />My child isn't wearing any sunscreen. And yes, he still uses a pacifier at two years old. <b>Mother of the Year Award.</b><br /><br />I go to bed feeling like a terrible mom because I was too busy trying to get the perfect pretend apple picking picture to be fully present with my kids...and I almost burned the house down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>PHOTO 3</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MASuQAxRbN0PNjAJ7nA0G8FiZJfjyzBNocOU26ibMjjGhlbojm8L4tgOXvPfXI4vfNMeiu7i9-_jaEMXmALsZ3HxeBOlwvAf3tRbR6HRgR8i0S-SmVLIDTdJh8SZGg73S5283IQ7rk74/s1600/Apple+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MASuQAxRbN0PNjAJ7nA0G8FiZJfjyzBNocOU26ibMjjGhlbojm8L4tgOXvPfXI4vfNMeiu7i9-_jaEMXmALsZ3HxeBOlwvAf3tRbR6HRgR8i0S-SmVLIDTdJh8SZGg73S5283IQ7rk74/s320/Apple+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I spent hours stressing over this bin. Seriously, what the heck is a sensory bin and why does my kid need one in order to have a full educational experience?<br /><br />It's been five days since this picture was taken, and I still haven't swept up the excess oatmeal.<br /><br />I go to bed feeling like a terrible mom because I was too busy trying to get the right angle for this photo to be fully present with my kids. Oh, and because I hate Pinterest and all those stupid moms for making me feel like I'm a terrible mom. And I hate myself for making other moms feel like they're terrible moms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>#NOFILTER</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">These photos are just snapshots, friends. Snapshots taken by a flawed mama just trying to capture a moment in time where she's not yelling at her kids or pulling her hair out or cleaning the umpteenth mess.<br /><br />She's not a super mom. In fact, she is in <b>great need of a hero</b>.<br /><br />She needs someone who will save her from the trap of comparison, someone who will remind her of her inherent value, someone who will give her strength for today and hope for tomorrow.<br /><br /><b>She needs Jesus.</b><br /><br />Because God isn't impressed with sensory bins. And he's not disappointed in her disaster of a house or lack of presence.<br /><br />He made her just the way she is--a disorganized dreamer--and he deemed her wonderfully made.<br /><br />What's more, because she has put her trust in Jesus as her savior, God no longer sees her sin when he looks at her. Instead, he sees his precious daughter, bought and paid for by His Son's death on the cross, and clothed in robes of righteousness.<br /><br />She can do <i>nothing</i> to lose his love and <i>nothing</i> to earn it.<br /><br />And if there's one snapshot she wants you to see, it's the one of Him holding her firm in His hands.<br /><br /><b>No filter needed.</b></span><br />
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Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-38245792121884732062016-07-17T17:04:00.005-05:002017-03-04T13:46:02.862-06:00To My (Biggest) Bundle of Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Sweet Baby Michael,<br /><br />As we welcome you into this world today, our hearts are filled with joy. <br /><br />From the moment we laid eyes on that sweet round face of yours, we were in love. And that red hair sure is a cherry on top!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Michael Jeffrey Stanley<br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Born July 13, 2016 at 11:46 a.m.</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">9 lbs. 15 oz. and 21 inches </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We are savoring each moment with you here in the hospital. I'm pretty sure you've been held more than your two big brothers combined...not out of necessity, but because we know just how fleeting these precious newborn moments are, and we want to soak them up with you.</span></div>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YE_OS5uWLBLJhrhrRTbr4ehzyU9BaA0wKRelLCRI_cqx8QmEkmPphhNJDX9AJh-NGxL2731l9C7ZRx77DJ6Dk5bZDLJQj4pW7Pbk5n3v894Cq2LGQHaWI9evU8dtejSYmIWIWVfI99z6/s1600/DSC_0103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YE_OS5uWLBLJhrhrRTbr4ehzyU9BaA0wKRelLCRI_cqx8QmEkmPphhNJDX9AJh-NGxL2731l9C7ZRx77DJ6Dk5bZDLJQj4pW7Pbk5n3v894Cq2LGQHaWI9evU8dtejSYmIWIWVfI99z6/s400/DSC_0103.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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Your life has already been such a gift to us, Michael. God has used it to bring about much healing and growth within us over the past nine months. We are now slower to fear and quicker to give thanks. We trust less in our own skills and capabilities and depend more fully on God's grace. We dwell less on our day-to-day trials and inconveniences and more on the eternal hope we have in Christ. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You are an incredible reminder of God's goodness and covenant love towards us, son. And we hope that your name, Michael Jeffrey, will serve as a similar reminder to you of God's unchanging and unfailing character.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />Your first name, Michael, means "Who is like God?"<br /><br />The answer to that question is quite simple. <br /><br />In Psalm 86, David writes, "There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God." <br /><br />Michael, we pray that you will come to embrace this great truth...that you will look to God alone for your own hope and salvation and that you will one day stand in awe of Him and all His works. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Your middle name, Jeffrey, is a tribute to the man God used to lead your daddy to Christ, your Uncle Jeff. <br /><br />Uncle Jeff is a good brother, a faithful servant, and a godly man, and we pray that these same words would be used to describe you as you grow older.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />Michael Jeffrey, you are loved beyond measure. We are honored to be your parents and are so excited to see what God has in store for you.</span></div>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">On this day, the day of your birth, we pray that you might one day be born again to a living hope in Christ Jesus and that you would love Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. <br /><br />All my Love, <br /><br />Your Mama </span></div>
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Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-9628028818759125452015-08-17T20:06:00.003-05:002017-03-04T14:24:15.167-06:00A Letter to our Baby Born into Heaven<div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">I have traditionally written a letter to each of my children on the day of their birth. I wrote this letter the day I found out that our third child had been born into Heaven. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To our dear baby born into Heaven,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, our hearts ache because we learned we will never hold you in our arms...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">but we know that God is holding you in the palm of his hand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, we are filled with sorrow because you only lived four short days in our hearts...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">but we trust that God numbered your days according to his good will. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, we grieve the years we will not have with you on this earth...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">but we rejoice in an eternity together with Jesus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, we have no name to give you...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">but we believe that the same God who knew you before you were in my womb already knows your name.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, we mourn over you, our lost child...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">but we do not lose hope.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">"For you, O Lord, are my <b>hope</b>, my trust, O LORD, from my youth. Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you." - Psalm 71:5-6<br /><br />"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a <b>living hope</b> through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." - 1 Peter 1:3-5</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We love you, little one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Until we meet in glory, </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mama</span></div>
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Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-59172442655285519462015-04-02T18:59:00.001-05:002017-03-04T14:27:40.408-06:00Mary's Lamb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Mary had a little lamb</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Whose fleece was white as snow,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And while she hoped that he'd stay small,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The lamb was sure to grow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He'd grow to heal the lame and sick.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He'd make the blind man see.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He'd bring the dead to life again</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And calm the stormy sea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He'd grow to touch the leper's spots.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He'd feed the hungry soul.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He'd talk and eat with sinners.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The broken he'd make whole.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But then one day they'd call him "King"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Which was against the rule.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The leaders in a jealous rage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Planned a plot so cruel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A kiss from one he knew and loved</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Betrayed him in the night.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The little lamb whom Mary raised</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Did not put up a fight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The crowd yelled, "Crucify him!"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Though, before, they'd sung his praise.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Kill him! Crucify!" they screamed</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In a riotous-like craze.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">They sheared him down to nothing,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Whipped him til he bled.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">With a cross upon his back he walked,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A lamb to slaughter led.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mary watched her little lamb</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mocked in public shame.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He hung there naked on a tree,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Bearing all their blame.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mary's little lamb had come</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To do the Father's will.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Oh, Why have you forsaken me?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He asked on Calvary's hill.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then all at once the sky grew dark.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"It's finished" was his cry.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This little lamb that Mary had,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Was born that he would die,</span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br />And she might live!</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For by his blood, he saved her soul;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">His death had paid the price.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, all her sins on him were laid,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The perfect sacrifice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Mary had a little lamb,"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The children sing with glee.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They ask, "Why did she love him so?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Because he first loved me."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">With angel chorus, she now sings,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Worthy the Lamb once slain!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Glory and honor to my King!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Forever, he will reign!"</span></div>
Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-48388845846448610732015-03-18T20:26:00.000-05:002017-03-04T21:14:31.895-06:00Allow me to introduce my (true) self...<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Welcome!<br /><br />Today, I'm thrilled to be making my guest blogger debut over at Incredible Infant (here's the <a href="http://incredibleinfant.com/feeding/milk-protein-allergy/">link</a> to my post if you want to hop on over). I still can't believe God is allowing me to share my story in such a unique way. It's truly humbling, and I'm excited to see how he uses it. <br /><br />If you're visiting from <a href="http://incredibleinfant.com/feeding/milk-protein-allergy/">Incredible Infant</a>, welcome!<br /><br />To celebrate new beginnings, I've decided to do my first giveaway here at Daughter Redeemed. My friend Christi recently launched her Etsy shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DoorpostTruth?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Doorpost Truth</a>, where she is selling beautiful scripture-inspired digital prints. I'll be giving away one of her prints to a dear reader this week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you'd like one of these lovely pieces of art for your home, leave a comment answering one of the questions at the end of this post before midnight on Sunday, March 22nd. The winner will be announced on Monday, March 23rd.</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-size: large;">I love me a good giveaway. Don't you?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Identity Crisis </b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Here's where I'd normally introduce myself, touting my background and sharing cute family photos and anecdotes, but to be honest, I've found myself in a bit of an identity crisis as of late.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I used to feel pretty. </b>Perfectly styled hair and makeup, high heels and pearls. Don't laugh....I even won a few beauty pageants back in the day.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Sixty pounds of pregnancy weight and a gazillion stretch marks later, I can't stand to look at myself in the mirror, let alone in photos, and I've been stripped of my tiara.</span><br /><b><br /></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I used to have influence.</b> I had the ear of wealthy businessmen and politicians. People listened when I spoke.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Now, I speak baby talk, and I get giddy talking to the grocery store cashier because it's the only adult interaction I've had all day. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I used to be good at most everything I did.</b> Everything I touched seemed to turn to gold. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Now, I feel like I'm constantly <i>failing</i>. Failing to breastfeed. Failing to calm my screaming toddler in the middle of a restaurant. Failing to load the dishwasher for three days straight. </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br />The Truth</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The truth is, I'm...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">A singer who sometimes sings off-pitch.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">An introvert with hermit tendencies.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">A homemaker with a sink full of dirty dishes.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">A wife and mama with a lot to learn.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">A writer who doesn't always have the right words.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>But not one of those things define me.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Nope, nada one.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">You see, I'm (slowly) realizing that my identity isn't based on my influence, success, or personal grooming. It's not based on my talents, personality or quirks.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It is completely 100% based on who I am in Christ.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And who am I in Christ, you ask?</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>In Christ...</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>called.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I <b>belong.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>loved by God.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I have been <b>justified by faith.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I have been <b>redeemed by his blood. </b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>at peace with God.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I have been <b>saved from the wrath of God.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>reconciled to God.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>dead to sin.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>alive to God.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>under grace. </b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>free.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am a <b>child of God.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am an <b>heir with Christ.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>more than a conqueror. </b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>without shame or condemnation.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am a <b>living sacrifice. </b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>welcome. </b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>being sanctified.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>guiltless. </b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>righteous.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>being sustained to the end.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am a <b>member of the body of Christ.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>victorious over death.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>forgiven.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>being transformed into Christ's image.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>afflicted in every way, but not crushed.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>perplexed, but not driven to despair.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>persecuted, but not forsaken.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>struck down, but not destroyed.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>being prepared for an eternal weight of glory.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>being renewed daily.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am a <b>new creation.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am an <b>ambassador for Christ.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>rich.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>strong when I am weak.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>holy. </b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>blameless. </b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>blessed with every spiritual blessing.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>united with Christ.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I have been <b>sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I have been <b>seated with him in the heavenly places.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I have <b>access to the Father.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I have been <b>delivered from the domain of darkness into marvelous light.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I have been <b>washed and sprinkled clean.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am <b>equipped to do his will.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am a <b>steward of God's grace.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I have been <b>born again to a living hope.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">My true identity?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I am a <b>daughter redeemed and daily refined.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">But enough about me... </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I'd love to hear about<b> you!</b> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">If you're new here, would you take a moment to tell me about yourself? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And if you're an old friend...have you ever struggled with an identity crisis? Which "In Christ" truth encourages you most today?</span></span><br />
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Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-12368204305665302162015-01-19T13:17:00.001-06:002017-03-04T14:31:48.686-06:00Little life now lived largely<span style="font-size: large;">Little toes never tickled,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Little hands never held,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Little cheeks never stroked,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Little voice that was quelled.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Little nose never wiped,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Little lips never kissed,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Little eyes never opened,</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Little life sorely missed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But now you live largely,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Little child of the King,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Of his grace and his mercy,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Your little voice sings.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Your little eyes filled </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">With his glorious light.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In you, little one,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Your Father delights.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Little feet pitter patter </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">On streets of pure gold.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Little life now secure</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In the father's strong hold.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Copyright 2014 Chelsea K. Stanley</span></div>
Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-40211640088726227072015-01-07T20:49:00.003-06:002017-03-04T21:00:11.901-06:00Caring for Friends in the Valley<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">For the past six months, we have been walking through the valley. It seems as though just as we start to catch our breath from one trial, another one knocks the wind out of us. It's been a season of surgeries, sickness and survival for our family. Thankfully, we have a great God who has surrounded us with selfless, caring people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Before this season, I had a limited view of what caring for others looked like. I honestly had never thought beyond meal ministry and notes of encouragement before, and while both are fantastic ways to care for others, I've learned that there are so many other ways to bless those who are walking through the valley.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So here's a list of ways in which others have blessed and encouraged us through this season. It's not exhaustive, but hopefully it will spur you on to help a sister who is walking through her own valley.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1. Bring her a cup of coffee (or a large sweet tea in my case).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">2. Take out the trash.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">3. Mow the lawn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">4. Deliver a meal. A homemade meal, take-out or leftovers all count!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">5. Take one of her kids to the park. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">6. Give her the gospel. Remind her how Jesus endured pain and suffering, even death on a cross, so that she might live. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">7. Make her feel safe. Encourage her not to worry about her lack of make-up, her messy house, or the fact that Mickey Mouse is currently serving as a surrogate parent. Be trustworthy and don't tell others about her current state of affairs (especially under the guise of a "prayer request"). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">8. Be a <i>sous</i> chef. When I was pregnant the second time around, I couldn't cook poultry for the life of me. One of the best gifts I received from a sweet friend was two pounds of chicken, cooked and shredded for meals. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">9. Send a handwritten note. Who doesn't love getting mail?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">10. Go grocery shopping.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">11. Clean. This was a humbling experience for me, but I am thankful for family and friends who forced me to sit and rest as they vacuumed, swept and washed dishes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">12. Extend much grace. The valley is a foggy place where birthdays may be forgotten and family gatherings may be missed. Don't take it personally.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">13. Accommodate. For years, our group of friends has gathered for a "Christmas Eve Eve" adults-only dinner party. This year, they encouraged us to bring our three-month old who has been struggling to eat and can't be left with a babysitter for too long. He enjoyed the extra attention, and we enjoyed a night out with friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">14. Give her the gospel again. Remind her that nothing can separate her from the love of Christ. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">15. Pray then and there. It's great to hear that someone is praying to you. It's especially encouraging when someone takes your hand and prays right then and there for you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">16. Go beyond dinner. Bagels, muffins, cut fresh fruit and veggies were great to have around when recovering from our surgeries.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">17. Offer your pre-teen/teen daughter as a mama's helper. How blessed I was to have young girls play with my toddler, vacuum my living room and rock my baby! And their moms loved using it as an opportunity to teach their children how to selflessly serve others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">18. Be "on-call." If you have a flexible schedule, offer to be the backup when other help falls through. When I had to rely on others to lift our toddler in and out of his crib for two weeks because my husband and I had lifting restrictions after surgeries, there was one stay-at-home mom who came to our rescue several times when we were in a pinch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">19. Send an encouraging text or Facebook message.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">20. Share scripture. There have been many days when I've survived in the verses sent to me by friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">21. Sit at the hospital with her as she waits for results or procedures. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">22. Offer to set up a meal or task sign-up. One of my friends who is gifted in organization and administration did this for me, and it was a huge help. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">23. Sit with the kids so she can shower or take a nap.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">24. Complete a special task. I've had friends and family offer to shine my stainless steel appliances, wrap Christmas presents, vacuum our car, and organize the nursery closets, among others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">25. Keep giving her the gospel! It's easy to forget about eternity when you're dealing with the daily yuck. Remind her of the great hope we have in Christ Jesus!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>Any other ideas? Feel free to share in the comments below!</i></span><br />
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Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-87740416432649925412014-12-06T15:53:00.000-06:002017-03-04T21:15:02.172-06:00'Twas the Night...Re-Write!<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I had the privilege of writing this short work for our church's annual Christmas women's brunch dramatic presentation. I hope it ministers to you in some small way.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">‘Twas the night before Christmas… </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You remember the rhyme </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The classic old poem </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">That’s told ‘round this time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A quaint little story, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">All merry and bright, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Of reindeer and sugar plums </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A magical night. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It sounds nice in theory, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But gals, let’s be real. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">For many, the holidays </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">are less than ideal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A reminder of love </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">lost, broken, not found, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A season of stress, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">When to-do lists abound. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So let's look at a few </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Christmas Eves in real life, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">At four different women </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Each with her own strife. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The widow, the mothers, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Busy and tired, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And the wife who went looking </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">For the love she desired. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A new spin on the classic old poem </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">'Twas the night, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">With a little more grit, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A real life re-write. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">--</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">‘Twas the night before Christmas </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And all through her house, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Not a creature was stirring, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Not even a mouse. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Her husband had passed, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Her children were grown. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">‘Twas her first Christmas Eve </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">All on her own. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">No one beside her </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This cold winter’s night </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">No one beside her </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Whose hand to hold tight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">No singing or laughter, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">No kisses or hugs, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">No cookies for Santa, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">No cocoa in mugs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">She was feeling alone, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And her future seemed bleak. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">There, in the quiet, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Tears rolled down her cheek. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Her whole life had changed </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In the blink of an eye. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Things that once brought her joy, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Now made her cry. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As she flipped through an album </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Of memories so dear, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">She wondered if she could </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Skip Christmas this year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">--</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The next woman's house </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Wasn't nearly as quiet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Compared to the widow's, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Her home was a riot!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The stockings were hung </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By her chimney with care, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Eight gifts for each one— </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">she had to be fair! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The napkins were folded </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To resemble reindeer </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But they looked more like dogs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">She’d use Pinterest next year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The toilets were scrubbed, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The mirrors were streak free, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Plenty of hand towels </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And extra TP! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Cherry pie in the oven </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">With pumpkin on deck, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Gluten-free for Molly, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Check, check and check! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">What once was an evening </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Of family and fun,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Was now a to-do list </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Of things to get done. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In the pressure to be </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The best Mrs. Clause, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">She had missed the true meaning </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">She’d forgotten to pause. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Running around like a chick </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">with no head, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Christmas Eve had become </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">a checklist instead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">--</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The third woman's house </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Was chock full of strife </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The tension? Well, it could </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Be cut with a knife.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Her children were tucked </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">away in their beds, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">With visions of happier times </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">in their heads. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Upstairs their parents </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Were in the midst of a fight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It had lasted for weeks, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">no forgiveness in sight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He had grown distant, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And just wanted to be </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Left alone with his beer, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">his remote and TV. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">She felt unloved, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Nothing more than his cook </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And confided all this </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To a friend on Facebook. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">What started as chat </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Took a turn for the worst, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And now she was wishing </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">She had thought this through first. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">She stopped it before </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It became too much more, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But when her husband found out, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He was rocked to his core. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Oh, how she wished she could </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Relive her past; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Instead, this Christmas Eve </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Could well be their last. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">--</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The last woman we find </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">in a zombie-like state, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A mother of babies, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Some of you may relate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">From her monitor app, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">There arose such a clatter, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So she shuffled down the hall </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To see what was the matter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">She went to the nursery </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And turned on the light. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This was the fourth time she’d </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Been up that night. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Her newborn was hungry, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Needing to be fed, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And her toddler was cutting </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Those molars moms dread. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">She was exhausted. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">She'd had no sleep for days, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Determined, she fought </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Through the fog-like “mom haze.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It’d been days since she showered </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Or combed her snarled hair, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But once more she sat </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In that old rocking chair, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Rocking her babies</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">with bags under her eyes, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Doing her best </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To tend to their cries. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Oh, how would she ever </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Survive Christmas Day? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Desperate, she bowed </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And started to pray. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">--</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">When what to her tired, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">weary heart should appear? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But God saying, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“Dear One, Immanuel is here!” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“For just as you sit here, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Rocking your child, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Mary, too, held her baby, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Completely beguiled </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By her savior, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The one who was sent to deliver </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Her people from death, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The eternal life giver. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And one day he’d die </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So that you would be blessed </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">With more than just sleep, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">For in him, you find rest </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And the strength to respond </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To that late midnight cry </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Because you’re never alone, child, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Your savior is nigh. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">No, your hair isn’t washed, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And there’s gook on your shirt, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But he’s cleansed you from sin, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">On your heart, there’s no dirt. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You’ve been clothed in fine robes </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Of righteousness, pure. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And you’re safe in the arms </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Of your savior, secure.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">--</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The wife who had sinned </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Could not fall asleep. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By her guilt overcome, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">She started to weep, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So she turned on her lamp </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And started to read. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">On Luke chapter two, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Her soul started to feed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“While there, the time came </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">for her to give birth, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And of all of the places </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">O’er all of the earth, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He was laid in a manger </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">No room in the inn.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">What a way for his life </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In this world to begin! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Humbly, he came </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">to this earth so that she </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">from the bondage of sin </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">and death could be free. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Repentant, she sought his </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Merciful face. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In Him was redemption</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Forgiveness, and grace. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Yes, He tore the curtain </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He tore it in half! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Now he stands at the throne </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">On her behalf! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">She still didn't know </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">If her marriage would last </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But she had hope in the Lord, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So she'd keep holding fast. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">--</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Waiting for cherry </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And pumpkin to bake, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The busy mom sat </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And took a quick break. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">She pulled out her iPad </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And scrolled through her feed, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">When a post caught her eye </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And she started to read. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It spoke about Jesus, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The great Prince of Peace, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">How his peace would not end, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Nor his reign ever cease. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Amidst all the chaos, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">She’d sadly forgotten </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">That the reason for Christmas </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Was God’s son begotten, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Who was sent to bring peace </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Through what he would do </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">On the cross, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And this peace </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Was eternal and true. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">No longer at war </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">With God, holy and just, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">She belonged to the Prince, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In Him did she trust, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Not just for a break </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">From the tasks of the day, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But for real peace with God, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">His wrath now at bay. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">--</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And finally back </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To the widow alone, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Who noticed a voicemail </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Pop up on her phone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“Hi mom,” it began, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“I wish I was there </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To share in this night, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But instead here’s my prayer, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">‘You once sang a song </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Of a mother and child, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A sweet holy infant </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So tender and mild. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You sang of Christ Jesus </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Our Savior and King, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">‘Immanuel’s here!’ </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Together we’d sing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You and dad raised us </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To love our dear Lord. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In our home, He was cherished, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Praised and adored. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He lost loved ones and friends, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By his own, he was scorned, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And, he too, knew the pain </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">That comes with death mourned. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But He died so that you, mom, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Would n’er be alone, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Not a day will go by </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">When you’ll be on your own. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So tonight, mom, I pray </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You’ll remember his face,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Familiar and faithful </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And beaming with grace.’” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">--</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">What about you? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Are you dreading this night? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Oh, friends, there IS hope, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Both merry and bright! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Christ gives rest for the weary, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And for those stretched too thin, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">There’s peace, and there’s grace </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">For those heavy with sin. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The downcast He comforts, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In Him, there’s new life </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">For the widow, the mother, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The daughter, the wife! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">His eyes—how they twinkle </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">with goodness and glory, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And the scars on his hands and his feet </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Tell a story </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Of his infinite love </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">for you and for me, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Far better than presents </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Under the tree. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In the classic, St. Nick </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Wishes all a good night, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But today, let’s praise Christ, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Our hope, born on that night! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> © 2014 Chelsea K. Stanley
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Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-1099391379245310492014-09-04T19:56:00.000-05:002017-03-04T21:20:12.443-06:00To My Precious Son<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To my precious son,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">What a joy it is to welcome you into our lives, dear boy! We have been eagerly awaiting your arrival, and we are rejoicing in God’s goodness and faithfulness as we finally hold you in our arms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0vbpaQf1BHYbF7tYwg4YNsKv53TSMK_Bu3FF4_ZiMs_hBSNGOO3xOG7_m200C22bLFxHonbqTBTKOlBOONcEhVXP6M5b2oXfkrjT4eYNyKddgl0nSeF_sfqhObaO440WEv1i1X379pYz/s1600/DSC_0520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0vbpaQf1BHYbF7tYwg4YNsKv53TSMK_Bu3FF4_ZiMs_hBSNGOO3xOG7_m200C22bLFxHonbqTBTKOlBOONcEhVXP6M5b2oXfkrjT4eYNyKddgl0nSeF_sfqhObaO440WEv1i1X379pYz/s400/DSC_0520.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Son, your father and I have spent many car rides and dinner conversations discussing the name we give you today—a name that expresses both our gratitude and our desires for you—John Oliver Stanley. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9iJRAV99TMD0yM-dUvL15Y-H_xXK9Ee89Mz8f7vBVDufx7z-FSKXRj67Asbbc722x2Ny7Joud8C117n-Aj1E3ebl_fvRFy8FSwKSQbJm98yDjESSxUOsdpJHF89RAZnNubUwYKhK3Z1d/s1600/DSC_0569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9iJRAV99TMD0yM-dUvL15Y-H_xXK9Ee89Mz8f7vBVDufx7z-FSKXRj67Asbbc722x2Ny7Joud8C117n-Aj1E3ebl_fvRFy8FSwKSQbJm98yDjESSxUOsdpJHF89RAZnNubUwYKhK3Z1d/s400/DSC_0569.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Your first name, John, means “God is gracious.” As John 1:14,16 says, “And the word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth…For from this fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” God has been so gracious to us, dear John. Your daddy and I have been saved by grace, our relationship has thrived on grace, and you, little one, are just another example of God’s amazing grace in our lives. We pray that one day you, too, will experience this incredible saving and sustaining grace, which is why we give you this name.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl_GRN74sGrLGq5ebjrB51dQMA1ksKcZnx0R90DTTaUl1UN_LusHFS47zkScsjeLmibndTyBc7EWNKlHzJS-qXVIJ9moiHHDwOb2mrl8T31kA_vb1Goh0IR3Lj91uM3dU6jhovcctlKEZ/s1600/DSC_0408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl_GRN74sGrLGq5ebjrB51dQMA1ksKcZnx0R90DTTaUl1UN_LusHFS47zkScsjeLmibndTyBc7EWNKlHzJS-qXVIJ9moiHHDwOb2mrl8T31kA_vb1Goh0IR3Lj91uM3dU6jhovcctlKEZ/s400/DSC_0408.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You share your middle name, Oliver, with your late Grandpa Glenn. He had a great love for God and his family, and oh, how he would have loved you! He constantly told your daddy how much he loved him, and daddy never doubted his father’s love for him. In the same way, we pray you will never doubt our love for you, but more importantly, that you will never ever doubt God’s love for you. When trials come, when darkness seems to be closing in, when temptations rage against you, know that your father in heaven loves you deeply—so much so that he gave his OWN son to die so that you might live. While we love you more than you could ever know, our love pales in comparison to God’s love towards you. As 1 John 4 says, “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.” There is no greater love, my son, because this love leads to life—a life full of joy and hope and peace. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Your last name, Stanley, is not given but inherited, and it comes with a rich legacy. What does it mean to be a Stanley? Well, you will likely have to shop in the Big and Tall section your entire life, you’ll probably receive your first guitar lesson before you take your first steps, and you may inherit what I’ll call a “unique” sense of humor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But it also means that you are part of a rich legacy of God’s grace and mercy. When your Grandpa was young, God literally broke his prisoner chains so that his heart would be free to rise and follow Christ. He then shared the great news of the gospel with his own sons, and God was faithful to save your daddy through the testimony of his big brother, your Uncle Jeff. Since the day we found out we were pregnant with you, we have prayed without ceasing that you, too, John, would experience the same saving grace that Stanleys before you have experienced. We pray that God would call you out of darkness and into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9), and when that day comes, dear son, we—and all of heaven—will rejoice! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Welcome to this world, John Oliver Stanley. We love you dearly.</span></div>
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Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-59660958957939649912014-03-11T10:09:00.001-05:002017-03-04T21:40:06.614-06:00Making the Most of "Me Time"<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A few weeks ago, I wrote <a href="http://daughteredeemed.blogspot.com/2014/02/an-introvert-walks-into-party.html" target="_blank">this blog post</a> in an attempt to describe how I, a self-proclaimed introvert, often feel in social situations. I was blown away by how many people seemed to relate to the post, so I decided then and there to do a couple posts on what it looks like to be a Christian introvert. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In my <a href="http://daughteredeemed.blogspot.com/2014/02/so-it-says-im-introvert.html">last post</a>, I discussed how introverts turn inward for energy. After spending time with people, they crave "me time" to think, process, rejuvenate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In this post, we'll dig deeper into this "me time" and try to figure out how to best utilize this time to glorify God. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So what exactly does "me time" look like?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">For me, "me time" can take many shapes and forms. My "me time" usually involves one or several of the following: eating, reading, crafting, singing, thinking, praying, writing, facebooking, pondering, shopping, processing, or Netflixing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You may have noticed that more than one of those activities takes place <i>in my mind</i>. One of the great benefits of "me time" (in my experience) is that allows me to think, ponder, process, and constantly take stock of where I'm at in life. Because I spend a great deal of time inside my own head, I am keenly aware of my desires, my sin, my passions, my pain. This awareness can lead to a host of good things, but if I'm not careful, it can also lead to great sin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Awareness of my desires can lead to <i>death</i> or <i>life </i>(<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Jas1.15" target="_blank">James 1:15</a>, <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ps145.19" target="_blank">Psalm 145:19</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Awareness of my sin can lead to <i>condemnation </i>or <i>repentance </i>(<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ro8.1" target="_blank">Romans 8:1</a>, <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1Jn1.9" target="_blank">1 John 1:9</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Awareness of my passions can lead to <i>selfishness </i>or <i>selflessness</i> (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1Th4.3-9" target="_blank">1 Thessalonians 4:3-9</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And awareness of my pain can lead to <i>bitterness </i>or <i>faithfulness (</i></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Job2.9" target="_blank">Job 2:9</a>)<i>.</i></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">How, then, do I partake in the goodness while guarding against the sin?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By looking upward, not inward. </span></div>
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</i><i>I lift up my eyes to the hills. </i><i>From where does my help come?</i><i>My help comes from the Lord, </i><i>who made heaven and earth </i><i>(<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ps121.1-2" target="_blank">Psalm 121:1-2</a>).</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By focusing my thoughts on things above, not things below. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Php4.8" target="_blank">Philippians 4:8</a>).</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By being ever-mindful of the gospel. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, andto live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Tt2.11-14" target="_blank">Titus 2:11-14</a>).</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Here's the thing...for the Christian, there's really no such thing as "me time." I'll say it again to let it sink in...</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">For the Christian, there's really no such thing as "me time."</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Christ purchased us at a great price so that he could make us his own, and as his own, we are in turn called to be "living sacrifices" that are "holy and acceptable to God" (<a href="http://biblia.com/books/esv/Ro12.1" target="_blank">Romans 12:1</a>).</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My "me time" is truly "His time." </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Every word I write, every thought I think, every breath I take belongs to Him and Him alone. And if I posture my heart in this way, I can rest assured that I am making the most of my time...<b>His time</b>.</span><br />
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Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-77218359716555897452014-03-03T12:31:00.004-06:002017-03-04T21:43:59.382-06:00Five Great Resources to Prepare Your Heart for Easter<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I don't know about you, but holidays have a tendency to sneak up on me. And if I'm not careful, my heart can be left cold and unprepared.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So for the past few years, I have purposed to prepare my heart, my home, and my table for Easter...the most joyous day on the Christian calendar!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">If you'd like to join me in preparing for the Easter season, here are five great resources that God has used to minister to me and my family:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1) <a href="http://cdn.desiringgod.org/pdf/books_btgt/btgt.pdf" target="_blank">Treasuring God in Our Traditions (Chapter 9 - Especially Easter) by Noel Piper</a></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Noel Piper has some great suggestions for helping your family focus on Christ during the Easter season. We have incorporated lenten advent candles in our home, as well as her devotional entitled "<a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/lenten-lights" target="_blank">Lenten Lights</a>." As the kids grow older, we may end up incorporating some of her more kid-friendly suggestions as well. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Our lenten lights all lit on Easter morning because "He is Risen!"</span></td></tr>
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2) <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/lenten-lights" target="_blank">Lenten Lights by Noel Piper</a></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Eight biblical devotionals to prepare for Easter (to be used weekly during lent OR daily during Holy Week).</span><br />
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3) <a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/2013/03/3-meaningful-easter-activities-for-kids/" target="_blank">Three Meaningful Easter Activities for Kids by Courtney of Women Living Well </a></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I love how Courtney is always seeking new ways to show Christ to her kiddos. I can't wait to introduce resurrection eggs and easter story cookies to my little ones someday. Confession...before we even had kids, I found myself making her resurrection rolls on Easter Sunday. Such a beautiful visual reminder of our Savior's glorious resurrection! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Photo from <a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/2013/03/3-meaningful-easter-activities-for-kids/" target="_blank">Women Living Well</a></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />4) <a href="http://sovereigngracemusic.bandcamp.com/album/risen" target="_blank">"Risen" album by Sovereign Grace Music</a></span></b></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As a singer, God often ministers to me through music, so I'm always on the lookout for good, theologically-sound worship music. This album is specifically designed to get us thinking about the Risen King! Straight from the album cover...</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"'He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.'<br /><br />These words, spoken by an angel to the women at Jesus’s tomb, changed history forever. Christ’s resurrection was more than a display of raw supernatural power. It was the single event that assures us that his payment for our sins has been accepted. God’s wrath is satisfied. Death is defeated. The powers of darkness are overcome. Sin’s dominion has been broken. And the life of the age to come has dawned. <br /><br />The songs on this album celebrate these realities, experienced and enjoyed by all who place their faith and hope in Jesus Christ."</span></i><br />
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5) <a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/category/holy-week/" target="_blank">Holy Week Series by Justin Taylor</a></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A few years ago, Justin Taylor (Gospel Coalition blogger, editor at Crossway and elder at New Covenant Bible Church) put together what he called "an attempted harmony/chronology of the words and actions of Jesus in the final week of his pre-resurrection life." Each day, he walks you through what actually happened on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, etc. In the past, I have enjoyed this walk through the gospels leading up to Resurrection Sunday, and I really like that he's done the legwork for me!</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Do you have any resources to add? Sound off in the comments section! </span></i></b></div>
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Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-79886066263197464482014-02-28T20:22:00.004-06:002017-03-04T21:48:18.300-06:00So it says I'm an introvert...<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I was nineteen when I first realized I was an introvert. I had joined a congressional campaign for the summer, and the campaign manager thought it would be beneficial for all staffers to take a Myers Briggs Type Indicator test. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My result?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>INFP.</b> (That's an introverted, intuitive, feeling, perceiver for anyone wondering!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I was shocked. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I was known in high school as the "performer." I loved the stage. I was passionate and outspoken, not afraid to speak my mind. In college, I was no different. I boldly advocated for causes near and dear to my heart. I was the girl in pearls, marching to the beat of her own high heels.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So...how could I be an introvert? </span></i><br />
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To me, it seemed like a fault. In my mind, extroverts were fun, social, outgoing. Introverts were shy, self-centered, and indifferent. I couldn't be one of <i>those </i>people.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Or could I?</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">When I first read my results, I didn't understand the meaning of the word "introvert" which quite literally means "to turn inward." Through this exercise, I learned that being an introvert or extrovert isn't so much about your demeanor in social situations (though it can definitely have an effect on that); instead, it's more about the source of your energy. The extrovert turns <i>outward</i> for rejuvenation. The introvert turns <i>inward</i>. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It made complete sense.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Sure, I could perform on a stage, but when the curtain closed, I preferred unwinding at home to hitting the local Applebee's with fellow cast members. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And sure, I loved politics, and I could charm a room full of donors if I needed to, but at the end of the night, you wouldn't find me at the bar with the cool kids. You'd instead find me kicking off my heels and calling my boyfriend to tell him how things went. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I enjoy people, but on the whole, they wear me out. After a party, I am almost always completely drained and in desperate need of "me" time. I naturally turn inward, not outward.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And <i>that</i>, friends, is what makes me an introvert. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>But why</i>, you ask, <i>does it matter?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Well, because <b>God made me that way. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And He made me that way for a reason.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In the past seven years, I've learned that my introversion isn't something to overcome. It's a gift to be nurtured and protected. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">God fearfully and wonderfully made me as an introvert. But first and foremost, he designed me not to turn inward, but upward. I've heard people argue that Jesus himself was an introvert because of how much he withdrew into isolation when he was here on earth. But over and over again as I read these accounts, I notice that Jesus wasn't necessarily turning inward. He was turning upward (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk5.16" target="_blank">Luke 5:16</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In the next post, I hope to dig into what it looks like to be an upward-focused introvert and to discuss some of the temptations and struggles that come with the introvert territory, as well as some of the great blessings. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But for now, it's Friday night, and I need to unwind, s</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">o please excuse me as I curl up on the couch with a blanket, some ice cream, and an episode of </span><i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Saved by the Bell. ;)</i><br />
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<br />Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-1693533845128891702014-02-13T10:08:00.003-06:002017-03-05T23:32:06.039-06:00A Mother's Offering<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Lord, take this load of laundry,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">take these pots and pans,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">take these dirty diapers,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">make them gold within your hands.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Be pleased with empty bottles</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">lying all around,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Be pleased with baggy sweatpants</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">and the dishes that abound.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">God in Heaven, I have nothing else</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">to offer you today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I am weak, exhausted, weary,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Be pleased in that, I pray.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Take my sleepless nights, Lord,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Take my darkest days,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Take my triumphs and my failures,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Let them all be to your praise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Though it's not much, I lay it all</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">at the alter of the King.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Let me be a pleasing sacrifice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This is all I have to bring.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Take my tears, my faith, obedience,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Be pleased, O Lord, with me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This is all I have to offer,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">All I am, Lord, all to thee. </span><br />
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<br />Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-27876467938208808182014-02-07T15:02:00.000-06:002017-03-05T23:32:23.347-06:00An introvert walks into a party...<div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">I wrote this in an attempt to demonstrate to my husband how I often feel in social situations. No pity or guilt necessary...just thought some might be able to relate. I hope to follow up at a later date with what God is teaching me as one of his introverted children. This paints a good picture to start with. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We round the corner and step through the doorway, greeted by hand shakes and social niceties. Quickly forgotten in a sea of faces, I turn to my bag, hoping that it will grant me momentary relief. Faithful friend. Maybe if I pretend I’m busy, it won’t be painfully obvious that I don’t belong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The room is a-chatter, but all I can hear is the beat of my own heart, racing, as it wonders who will be the first to cross the line. His face is one of sympathy and partial obligation. We waltz the waltz of weather and work. The orchestra slows as the song comes to an end, and he’s off to dance another dance with a more interesting girl. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My dance card is empty so I excuse myself to go powder my nose. That should get me through at least one more song unnoticed. I refill my drink, nodding at the man behind the bar. Sipping ever-so-slowly in hopes that no one, or someone, will approach me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">An announcement saves me. Organized fun. As the crowd gathers in, it’s as though I belong. But I don’t. And I won’t. No matter how hard I try. I’m just not one of “those” people. The kind people like. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I offer to help. Another tactic I’ve learned to make myself invisibly visible. I’ve made my mark on the party. Remember, I served the cake? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I watch as the others enjoy food and friends. Counting the seconds down in my head. I smile, but no one smiles back in return. They’re too busy eating the cake that I served.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I grab my coat as the party comes to an end. Almost free, just a few quick goodbyes (which I dread). I offer my thanks as I step out the door, round the corner and head back to my car. Faithful friend in tow. </span><br />
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<br />Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-64634898455843817882014-01-16T16:32:00.002-06:002017-03-05T23:34:08.554-06:00An Expectant Heart<span style="font-size: large;">I've been convicted lately that I have a less-than-mediocre prayer life. In fact, there are some days when the only prayer I mutter is the one I pray for William as he goes to bed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, as I was reading the story of Jesus turning water into wine, I realized something...one of the reasons I don't pray is because I don't expect.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am struck by Mary's role in this story. When the wine runs out, she goes to Jesus and tells Him their need. "They have no wine," she says. Jesus responds, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” And then she turns to the servants and says "Do whatever he tells you." (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Jn2.4" target="_blank">John 2:4</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You see, she knows her son. She trusts in his goodness and provision and even authority over the natural elements. There is no question in her mind that Jesus will fix this. She <i>expects</i> a response.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But I don't know if I expect one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If I did, I think I'd be quicker to go to Him with my needs. Expecting provision. Expecting salvation. Expecting revival. Expecting grace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because if you finish reading the story, Jesus delivers on her expectations. He turns the water into wine, yes. But more importantly, His glory is made manifest, and the disciples believe. </span><br />
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<i>Lord, manifest your glory. Help my unbelief. </i></span><br />
<br />Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-67637959409212520492013-12-07T16:32:00.002-06:002017-03-05T23:34:27.465-06:00A Lineage of Grace<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I had the great joy of writing and</i><i> participating in the Ladies' Christmas Brunch dramatic presentation at our church this year. The theme of the morning was "Chosen and Redeemed." The drama was entitled "A Lineage of Grace" and it told the stories of four unlikely women who have a part in Jesus' lineage: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Mary. </i></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tamar: The Forgotten One</span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My husband was wicked,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So horribly so,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That God struck him dead,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Leaving me all alone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">According to customs</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And laws of the Jews,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">His brother should take me,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But instead, he abused </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And refused </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">to give me a child to call mine,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No son to continue</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The family line. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When Judah, his father,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Learned of his sin,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He assured me he’d make</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">things right once again.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">He promised another</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Son of his own</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To take on the duty</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In time when he’d grown. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I waited and waited</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For what he said he would do.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But with another promise broken</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I knew I was through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Through with the lies,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Through with the pain,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Through with the waiting,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Through with the games.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I acted a whore</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And covered my face</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For I knew that Judah</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Loved the thrill of the chase.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He approached me</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And offered a deal for the task. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I asked for his ring and his cord</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And his staff.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You see, I became pregnant</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After the deed,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And these objects would prove</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That the son was his seed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Or sons, I should say,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">for there was not one but two.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I finally had</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The sons I was due.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Looking back on my story,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I’m ashamed of my plans.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For taking the matter</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Into my hands.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Desperate, I did</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some things I regret</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But God, in his mercy,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Did not forget</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">His daughter.</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For from one of those seeds,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Came redemption from sin.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now Jesus, the savior,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Is one of my kin.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Rahab: The Harlot</span></b></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I, too, sold my body </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To men for a price </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I considered my sin </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A necessary vice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I wasn’t surprised </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When two men came at night. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But instead of “the usual” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They asked if I might </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Help them. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You see, they were Israelite spies. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Their leader had sent them </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To town in disguise. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The King found out </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And sent troops to my door. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He had heard they were hiding </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In the house of the whore. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But I had heard of their God </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And fear melted my heart. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I knew he was real, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And I couldn’t take part </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In helping the king </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To kill these two spies, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So I told them they’d left </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And misled them with lies. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime, the men </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Were on top of my roof. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So I asked for assurance </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Of safety, for proof </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">That my family would be spared </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When they seized our land </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That none of my own </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">would die at their hand. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A life for a life, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">they gave me their pledge </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And a cord </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">to hang out my window ledge. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This cord of scarlet </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Indeed kept us alive. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They came in and conquered, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But my family survived. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And what’s more, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They took us in as their own, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Not leaving us to face </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">a new world all alone. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As for me, I was rescued </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In more ways than one. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">God graciously gave me </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A husband and son. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Once called the “harlot” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have a new name. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Daughter of God, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Forgiven, no shame. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">From my line, God would send </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One more scarlet red cord </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The man you call Jesus, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The man I call “Lord.”</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ruth: The Widow</span></b></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I was a widow. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My husband had died, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Along with his father </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And brothers beside. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">With no man to marry </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Or give me an heir, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My mother-in-law thought </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It would only be fair </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">To release me </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And send me on my own way, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But instead of departing </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I decided to stay. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">“Your people, my people, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Your God, now my Lord. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I will go where you go </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And board where you board.” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So we set off for Bethlehem </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A small little town </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The harvest had started </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Barley cut down. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We arrived and I gleaned </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In the field of a man </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Named Boaz, a member </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Of my late husband’s clan. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Boaz, the son </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">of the harlot redeemed. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">His mother once shameful, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Her son now esteemed. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Boaz gave in abundance, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Supplied every need. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He protected and blessed us, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A refuge indeed. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Naomi, my mother in-law, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Advised me to go </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And ask for redemption </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So that he might bestow </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">A blessing far greater </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">than barley or wheat, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So I heeded her counsel</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and laid at his feet. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I asked for redemption, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A new kind of life, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That he take me, redeem me, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And make me his wife. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So he went to the elders </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Who sat at the gate, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And asked for permission </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To buy our estate. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">He paid for the land, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Purchased me as his own. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I was no longer forsaken, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No longer alone. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We, too, had a son </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Named Obed, and he </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Was the father of Jesse </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And from his family tree </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Would come Great King David, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Then the greatest of kings, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">King Jesus, Redeemer, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Of whom my soul sings, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">“Bless the Lord, for he </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Has not left me this day </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Without a redeemer. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He has shown me the way!” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The truth and the life </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Was born in a crèche </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In the city of Bethlehem. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Flesh of my flesh.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mary: The Virgin</span></b></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">A young, humble girl, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A virgin, engaged, </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">In an instant, my life </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Would forever be changed. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">“Greetings!” said Gabriel. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">“Do not be afraid! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You’ve found favor with God, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Do not be dismayed.” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">“Behold, you’ll conceive in your womb </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And give birth </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To the Son of the most high, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Who’ll reign o’er the earth.” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The spirit would come, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Overshadowing me. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The power of the most High </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Would cause it to be. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Still, my heart pounded </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">right out of my chest. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Of all women, why </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Was I chosen and blessed? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">How could it be </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That I was the one </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Chosen for this, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To bear God’s own son? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">He looked on his servant </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Of humble estate. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Exalting the lowly </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To bear one who is great. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">He’s shown strength with his arm </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And has scattered the proud. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He has brought down the mighty </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The humble, endowed. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The hungry he fed, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The rich sent away. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He’s remembered his people </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Though we’ve oft gone astray. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh merciful God, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Great things you have done. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My spirit rejoices </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">in Jesus, my son! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Redeemed by the son, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I was chosen to raise. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Chosen, redeemed </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To God be all praise! <!--EndFragment--></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">TAMAR: </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Forgotten.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">RAHAB:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A prostitute.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">RUTH:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Widow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">MARY:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Redeemed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">TAMAR:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">None worthy of choosing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">RAHAB:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yet now, we’re esteemed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">RUTH:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As mothers of Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">TAMAR:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The great high king<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">RAHAB:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We were chosen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">RUTH:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Redeemed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">MARY:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now this song, we will sing…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<h3>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">"It’s Not that I Chose You"</span></i></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br />
</b></i> <i><b>Verse 1</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">It’s not that I chose you, <br />
for Lord that could not be.<br />
My heart would still refuse you, except that you chose me.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">From the sin that stained me, <br />
you washed me through and through<br />
and to this end ordained me, <br />
that I should live for you.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Chorus</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></i></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Hallelujah, I’m forgiven, <br />
Christ’s victory is mine<br />
Sin no more enslaves me <br />
for now I am your child<br />
Hallelujah, I am free now, <br />
free to live a life,<br />
A life that longs to please you, <br />
you alone to glorify.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<!--StartFragment--> <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Verse 2 </span></i></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">You called me out of darkness <br />
and into glorious light.<br />
Set apart for You Lord, <br />
my blindness turned to sight.<br />
I live each day by faith now, </span></i></div>
<div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">standing on Your grace,<br />
Holding fast the promise, <br />
that Jesus blood can save!</span></i></div>
<div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></div>
<div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Words by Ben Hacker and Josiah Conder, Music by Ben and Nicky Hacker © 2007</span></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
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<i><br />
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<br />Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-52681973929085663762013-12-01T19:22:00.000-06:002017-03-05T23:35:04.015-06:00Why I write...<span style="font-size: large;">There are certain things that make me feel close to my dad...</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Like when I fill a plate with pickles, salami, blackberries and cheese and call it a gourmet meal. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Or get a big whiff of leather.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Or crank my music and dance around in the living room with my son. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Or find a good look-a-like (bonus points for a good look-a-like combo).</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Or help the needy.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Or watch Sneakers...<i>too many secrets.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Just a few things that remind me that I'm "Bob's daughter" or--as my mom used to joke--"Roberta."</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">But there's one thing I do that not only makes me feel close to biological dad, but to my heavenly father as well. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">I write.</span></b></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">My dad is a gifted writer. Witty, pithy, punny. I am grateful to have inherited a bit of his humor and natural rhythm. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">But my father above...well, gifted is an understatement. He's been on the <i>New York Times</i> bestseller list since before it was even a thing. He holds the record for number of books sold. His words have been called "life-saving" by millions. He's the real deal.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">And I'm his daughter.</span></b></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I write because he wrote me first, and writing helps me get to know him better. It's how I think, create, discover, process, communicate. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I started this blogging journey with no end game in sight. I wasn't sure what I wanted...recognition, riches, a place to be heard?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">But now<i> </i>I realize that I write because it makes me feel close to my father. <b>Period.</b> And if others can somehow benefit from what comes out on paper (or screen), then all glory to him.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I currently have a blog following of a whopping 23 subscribers (shout out to all!). And my words are hardly life-changing, let alone life-saving. But when I write, I am reminded that I am his adopted daughter...his "Roberta." His Chelsea.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">His daughter redeemed.</span></b></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So, when or if you stop by for a visit, you can expect to find...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">A singer who sometimes sings off-pitch. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">A writer who can't always find the right words.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">An introvert with hermit tendencies.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">A homemaker with a sink full of dirty dishes.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">A <i><b>daughter redeemed</b></i> and daily refined.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">--</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Special thanks to <a href="http://dinosaurstew.com/" target="_blank">Dinosaur Stew</a> for the awesome new design! </span></i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-89691533835601154672013-11-22T21:40:00.001-06:002017-03-06T22:52:22.649-06:00We thank God in our remembrance of you...<div>
<em><span style="font-size: large;">"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." </span></em></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<em><span style="font-size: large;">Philippians 1:3</span></em><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">A few years ago, Dan and I made, what we both agree was, one of the most difficult decisions of our married life...the decision to leave our local church.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When we decided to leave, we decided to do so quickly, quietly, and graciously, so as not to cause any undue pain to our dear ones. But in choosing to go about it this way, we never really had the chance to say proper thank you's or goodbyes...and it's about time we did. We hold that church body in such high regard. We love the pastors and the congregation very much, and we are oh-so-thankful for the time God gave us there.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i><b>So thank you, dear brothers and sisters at Lakeview Church, for partnering in the gospel with us from the first day until now. </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
For years (sixteen to be exact), you prayed for a dear woman to have a second child. And when she became pregnant at forty years old, you rejoiced with her. You threw her (another) baby shower, and made a cute little patchwork quilt to welcome her bundle of joy. You witnessed her and her husband dedicate their baby boy to the Lord on a cold December morning. You prayed that he would grow to know Christ as his savior and committed yourselves to helping his parents raise him in the ways of the Lord.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You changed his diapers, told him bible stories, and most importantly, showed him Christ. You taught him, encouraged him, trained him, loved him. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
<i>Thank you.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>
Then along came a girl from the church down the road. You welcomed her (and her family) with open arms. You fostered in her a love for God's word. You challenged her thinking, mentored her, and oh yes, you loved her too. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The boy asked the girl to marry him, the girl said yes, and you helped them prepare for marriage. You showered them, counseled them, discipled them...and even opened your basements and pole barns to them! You are some of the most generous people they've ever known.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">After they were married, they were hit with some tough trials. Trials that you wouldn't wish upon any newlyweds. And you bore with them. You prayed with them, cried with them, loved them through the storm. It wasn't easy, but you were faithful. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And when they felt God calling them away from you, to someplace new...you didn't disown them. You loved them, blessed them, told them they were missed. And they loved you for it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And when the boy's father passed away unexpectedly the week before his first son was to be born, you treated him like your own. Grieving with him, consoling him, and again, loving him with the love of Christ. Your love and care touched him (and his family) more than you'll ever know.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And when the boy and his wife stood in front of their new church body and dedicated their son to the Lord, they knew that it wasn't just one church body that would pray for his salvation, but two. Their little boy had an extended church family that would pray for him to know Christ just as they had prayed for his daddy almost thirty years ago. They loved him too.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Lakeview Church, you are dear to us and we thank God in every remembrance of you. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your partnership. Thank you for your love. </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The fact is, there is no proper goodbye because you will always be family. </span><br />
<br />
<em> </em><br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-60001313168642145152013-05-10T14:00:00.002-05:002017-03-05T23:37:23.528-06:00A Letter to my Son<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My dear sweet son,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What an absolute joy it is to welcome you into the world today! There are so many people who have been praying and patiently waiting for this day—most of all your mom and dad—and our prayers have been answered.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFK0jATgwGQOd1Xb3HMVLdAwjWaNkFnBEvbHNAMh6x2FMCT5CqemG6y5Brzd8tkvUNrcU15w8Ft4OnBWNqk1q-a_GQbuIZm3HLfTYvXNZlSiE1uMM8tWe2KOqYtieihldRnxp7fLv-5bZe/s1600/DSC_0127.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFK0jATgwGQOd1Xb3HMVLdAwjWaNkFnBEvbHNAMh6x2FMCT5CqemG6y5Brzd8tkvUNrcU15w8Ft4OnBWNqk1q-a_GQbuIZm3HLfTYvXNZlSiE1uMM8tWe2KOqYtieihldRnxp7fLv-5bZe/s400/DSC_0127.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">William, you are a precious gift from God. We are so grateful that He has entrusted you to us, and we are committed to loving you and raising you in the ways of the Lord—not through our own love and strength, but according to the gospel at work within us through the love and power of Christ.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfe9uMChKO9AT-r15JzFvhLOeyEYxIRPlkxi-AVuJ0fRNDEhzi_rkxfFyWhP7hbjSb66VjLgMAkfbmuwkC6RxMXiZLfmNB23aulr63uLqZaW6dF97n44TbVHH5kqGOwn4TxKyG5UnndHg0/s1600/DSC_0273.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfe9uMChKO9AT-r15JzFvhLOeyEYxIRPlkxi-AVuJ0fRNDEhzi_rkxfFyWhP7hbjSb66VjLgMAkfbmuwkC6RxMXiZLfmNB23aulr63uLqZaW6dF97n44TbVHH5kqGOwn4TxKyG5UnndHg0/s400/DSC_0273.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our greatest prayer is that one day you will come to know and love and treasure our great Savior, Jesus. Your father and I have known Jesus from a very young age, but as we waited for you, we came to know him even more intimately. We learned first-hand the breadth and length and height and depth of his love for us as he comforted and loved us through our struggle with infertility (Eph 3:18-19). We came to know his perfect peace as we awaited your first ultrasound (Is. 26:3). We experienced his faithfulness again and again each time we heard your heartbeat (1 Cor. 1:9). Most importantly, God reminded us that “The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love…(he) is good to all and his mercy is over all that he has made” (Ps. 45:8-9). He is a God who gives good gifts—the best of all, the gift of eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2qqf8M3hXtZm8F4H_PN2tlFTucT7KjcRJ4ZpGqTBZeqx5MljU51-gicGqaO9ORLW2QPDH80KlkC70Cky03nrqwJHhNPvrUiULvZVASQhuAzBMBE5W8gmda-zl0QRwnYjdILIYubJ_4sm/s1600/DSC_0411.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2qqf8M3hXtZm8F4H_PN2tlFTucT7KjcRJ4ZpGqTBZeqx5MljU51-gicGqaO9ORLW2QPDH80KlkC70Cky03nrqwJHhNPvrUiULvZVASQhuAzBMBE5W8gmda-zl0QRwnYjdILIYubJ_4sm/s400/DSC_0411.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And so, as Psalm 45 instructs us, your father and I commend God’s works to you, dear son. We declare his mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of His majesty and on His wondrous works, we will continue to meditate. We will speak to you day and night of the might of God’s awesome deeds and will declare his greatness in our home. We will put forth the fame of his abundant goodness and you can bet we will sing aloud of his righteousness. We love to sing in this family—in case you didn’t know that already!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUGRpwXnF-QWLHN2DTBLHlnE7Yt0S4KAjmcnli1x0DOreHFSHtgz8HtmTCE_JAgOM_eyxjQ5hx_motv3s9mVrgHqthAlLchuFqaGA0nQc9SXfmpnUAi1uonrR3ToYzZafNCPh8MnsEeZ-/s1600/DSC_0261.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUGRpwXnF-QWLHN2DTBLHlnE7Yt0S4KAjmcnli1x0DOreHFSHtgz8HtmTCE_JAgOM_eyxjQ5hx_motv3s9mVrgHqthAlLchuFqaGA0nQc9SXfmpnUAi1uonrR3ToYzZafNCPh8MnsEeZ-/s400/DSC_0261.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We love you sweet William, but from this day forth, we want you to know that Jesus loves you more. Our love will at times fail you. We are sinners who love imperfectly. But God’s love is never-failing, unconditional, and perfect. He loves you more, William. He loves you most. And we are so thankful for his love towards you!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQTNjIpZW4gPXYhYtREQq_R1sk14Y6KcdcX-lwfohpcwd4aX-_kRaUVh8KOGdvDH8gLtOe_Tfn08llOD4i966tCHAbBXC5tgIphIgzxDCQfO4Q_ik4YGH702mMaO0ouZiNYdmLMbtgXws/s1600/DSC_0394.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQTNjIpZW4gPXYhYtREQq_R1sk14Y6KcdcX-lwfohpcwd4aX-_kRaUVh8KOGdvDH8gLtOe_Tfn08llOD4i966tCHAbBXC5tgIphIgzxDCQfO4Q_ik4YGH702mMaO0ouZiNYdmLMbtgXws/s400/DSC_0394.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to our family, sweet boy. Our God is so good.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Love,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Mama</span><br />
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<!--EndFragment-->Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-5260199577930102412012-06-25T17:55:00.003-05:002013-11-25T20:55:19.108-06:00Conference Reflections: Truth be told...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiew9hZArxhIrD0Ckh2xo3VPrMo5Qx4AA71B2-vPbGeNx6CfV3rFuMMwMipvM9zfnuleyIIJ-XHZfc659-PvSliNluosjUXONf7G3aCX12pkfuekjKEl9h_UF_VvVt2-pDfOdQ7uQWWXcgE/s1600/tgc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiew9hZArxhIrD0Ckh2xo3VPrMo5Qx4AA71B2-vPbGeNx6CfV3rFuMMwMipvM9zfnuleyIIJ-XHZfc659-PvSliNluosjUXONf7G3aCX12pkfuekjKEl9h_UF_VvVt2-pDfOdQ7uQWWXcgE/s320/tgc.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is how we roll at Crossway Community Church</i></td></tr>
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I spent the past few days in Florida with 3500+ other women at the first-ever <a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/" target="_blank">Gospel Coalition </a>Women's Conference. It was a sweet (but intense) time of learning and fellowship, and I could fill an entire journal (and almost did!) with my reflections, here are just three...<br />
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<b>1) Satan would like nothing more than to keep us from hearing the truth.</b><br />
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On my flight to Florida, I spent some time reading the third Harry Potter book. <i>Side note: I realize some reading this may disagree with me on that choice of book, but that's another blog for another time, so I hope you'll allow me to pick the meat from the bones here</i>. I happened to start reading just as Professor Lupin was teaching his students how to defeat a boggart...a creature of dark magic which lurches in the dark places and shape shifts into one's biggest fear. For one student, the boggart took the shape of a large spider. For another, it took the shape of a dreaded teacher. For me, it would have probably taken the shape of a loved one suffering while I'm away.<br />
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One of my biggest fears came true on Thursday morning, when a family emergency arose just as I was preparing to leave. I felt helpless, desperate, anxious as I drove to the airport. Even more guilty during take off. Lie after lie after lie filled my head and heart...<br />
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<i>You're sacrificing your family for this conference.</i><br />
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</i><br />
<i>You are the only one who can handle this. You're indispensable. </i><br />
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</i><br />
<i>You won't be able to get anything out of it if you're worried the whole time. Just don't go.</i><br />
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He is the father of all lies isn't he? And he will take any measures necessary to prevent us from hearing the gospel.<br />
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In the book, the students are instructed to think of a way to alter their fear into something comical as they flip their wands and say "Riddikulus!" A spider with no legs, a male teacher dressed in a granny's outfit...<i><b>riddikulus</b></i>!<br />
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I couldn't flip my wrist to make my boggart disappear. This nasty creature isn't defeated with humor or spells, but with the truth, and the truth comes from God's word. Interestingly enough, the theme of this conference was "God revealing himself through the scriptures." Friends, the enemy wanted nothing more than to keep me (and others) from this conference. For the truth is what sets us free. It is the source of our life. Thanks be to God that we had our fill of truth this weekend! And Satan and his lies looked "riddikulus" in light of it.<br />
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"If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." - John 8:31-32 (ESV)<br />
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<b>2) God speaks truth to us through his word.</b><br />
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As someone who grew up in the church, my head knows that God speaks to us through his word. But this weekend, my heart and mind beautifully connected on this point.<br />
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How many times have I started out a conversation with, "I feel like the Lord is telling me" or "God is calling me to..."? And on what basis do I make those kinds of statements? Thanks to Nancy Guthrie and her exposition of Hebrews 4:12-13, I realized that these phrases are often my defense mechanisms. Subconsciously (or maybe even consciously), I think, "If I tell them that God is calling me to do this, they have to agree with it, right?" It melts my eyes to tears to realize just how often I have passed off my own gut reaction as a calling from the Lord...to myself and to others. For this, I am truly repentant.<br />
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Oh, how I longed to hear from God this weekend! I wanted peace and clarity in ministry decisions. I wanted an impression...a sense of stillness from God. I wanted a game plan for the next stage of life, but thankfully, I didn't come home with this in the way I expected.<br />
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I did hear from God this weekend, but there were no gut feelings, no butterflies. Only the truth of God revealed in his word...and that is more than sufficient. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword (Heb. 4:12-13 ESV). "All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (1 Tim. 3:16-17 ESV)<br />
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I do have peace. Peace in knowing that I am no longer at odds with the God of the universe. And I have more clarity...in who God is and what he does. Stillness, yes. I have that too. "Be still, and know that I AM God," he says. Which is really my game plan now that I'm home...to be still, and to know that he is God...as he reveals himself to me through his word.<br />
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<b>3) I am better equipped to minister to others when my soul is saturated in the truth of the gospel.</b><br />
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During the last session, D.A. Carson lovingly, pastorally, looked out into the sea of women and gently whispered, "In a room of 3800 women, I cannot imagine how many tears have been shed." A humbling and sobering thought.<br />
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Over the course of the weekend, I witnessed many of those tears firsthand. At one point, sitting between two dear mothers grieving over the loss of their children, I realized what an absolute privilege it is to be selected as instruments of God's compassion and care for the church. It is a high calling...and a humbling honor. <br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">As means of grace in the lives of others, we should be constantly pointing our sisters to the author of all grace...Christ. We are best prepared to do so when we ourselves are saturated in the truth of who he is.</span><br />
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I'll be honest...I struggle to pray publicly. But this weekend, I noticed a marked difference in my prayers for others. As my heart and mind were filled with the truths of God and who he is as revealed in scripture, my prayers and speech overflowed with those truths. My prayer is that I would continue to be immersed in the truth of the gospel, so that I might be sanctified and others might be encouraged. <br />
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How grateful I am that our great high priest prayed this prayer for us...<br />
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<b>"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."</b> (John 17:17 ESV)<br />
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<i>Lord, may the truth of the gospel be told, heard, loved, and shared. And may we grow to know you and love you more as you continue to reveal yourself to us through your word.</i><br />
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<i>Amen.</i><br />
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Today I'm linking up with...<br />
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<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrEImmjfxnA92e_O7S4DvFSONZlnp8L1oBEaImd_dEvXDCJAk5335PxyoiqTjI_M51OiNRq02eYUbfpAWFb2AHinjvzB04zF9zFxqWiv6NBupa8VqzkTMyMogjYIcwyCA5CH4DOUxVOY/s1600/TuesdaysButton.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.thebettermom.com/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8UYY89eIV0bdR5O5hF98evZT3UhACgYPZqfqFRy4REBzQSEMdZ0sQqa7lTr2kaS9y2ygo2RKNJoTkzOefvO18P1UCbu4bhE0Dos5HKbWzBVpI2Fi7SyPBK3am9TKD9P13GFt-7-sl1c/s1600/BetterMondaysLinkup.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/category/women-living-well-wednesdays/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq297/courtneylivingwell/LivingWell.png" /></a>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034031375420004525.post-13936134049446727942012-06-19T20:23:00.000-05:002017-03-05T23:39:40.598-06:00Under Construction<span style="font-size: large;">One of the major roads near our home is currently under construction. Driving through it with my sister this weekend, she looked out the window and sighed, "<b>Construction is so ugly</b>."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is, isn't it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Crumbled asphalt, broken concrete, a barrage of dirt and orange...ick. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mulling over her words, I realized that my heart probably looks a lot like that construction zone right now... in desperate need of excavation. Broken layers of pride, envy, malice and idolatry needing to be ripped out so that the Holy Spirit can r<span style="background-color: white;">ecover me with layers of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The bible tells us that we must deconstruct before we can be reconstructed. God's word says to "<i><b>put off your old self</b>, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to <b>put on the new self</b>, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." (Eph. 4:22-24)</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Like any construction project, it's a long, tedious task with lots of dirt. It can be inconvenient (for me and for </span><span style="background-color: white;">those around me), annoying (again, for me and those around me!) and sometimes ugly. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The apostle Paul describes it in this way...</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">"For I do not understand my own actions. <b>For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. </b>Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. <b>For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. </b>For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. <b>For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. </b>Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" (Rom. 7:15-24)</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we see from Paul's words, construction is ongoing. Just as one project is completed, another one must start. In the same way, our hearts are constantly under construction as Christians. Thankfully, we do not have to wage the war against our flesh alone. Through Christ, we are no longer dead to sin but alive to God, and he has <span style="background-color: white;">left us with a great helper, the Holy Spirit, who continually sanctifies us with the word of God (Jn 17:17), so that we might one day be presented blameless and holy to our great king. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And thanks be to God, on that day, all construction will cease. Our bodies will be redeemed, we will be glorified, and the hope we have in Christ will come to full fruition. As Paul says, our present sufferings...those ugly construction sites...aren't even "worth comparing with the <b>glory </b>that is to be revealed to us." (Rom. 8:18)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Application: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1) <b>Reflect. </b>Which "roads" in your heart are in need of construction? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your sin to you so that you might confess, repent and turn towards Jesus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2) <b>Evaluate.</b> The bible tells us that the Holy Spirit "reconstructs" or sanctifies us through the word of God. In order for us to be sanctified through his word, we have to read it! Take a moment to evaluate your time in the word. Are you reading it? Meditating on it? Allowing the Holy Spirit to sanctify you through it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3) <b>Pray. </b> Thank God for making us dead to sin and alive in Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you as you wage war against your flesh and sanctify you through the word. Pray earnestly for the coming of the king and the day when construction will cease. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today I'm linking up with...</span></div>
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<a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/category/women-living-well-wednesdays/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq297/courtneylivingwell/LivingWell.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrEImmjfxnA92e_O7S4DvFSONZlnp8L1oBEaImd_dEvXDCJAk5335PxyoiqTjI_M51OiNRq02eYUbfpAWFb2AHinjvzB04zF9zFxqWiv6NBupa8VqzkTMyMogjYIcwyCA5CH4DOUxVOY/s1600/TuesdaysButton.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.thebettermom.com/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8UYY89eIV0bdR5O5hF98evZT3UhACgYPZqfqFRy4REBzQSEMdZ0sQqa7lTr2kaS9y2ygo2RKNJoTkzOefvO18P1UCbu4bhE0Dos5HKbWzBVpI2Fi7SyPBK3am9TKD9P13GFt-7-sl1c/s1600/BetterMondaysLinkup.jpg" /></a>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15287549636485257048noreply@blogger.com0